(MY) fish field guide

[Guest guest]

Fish field guide launched - New Straits Times

 

KUCHING, SARAWAK, 26 Jan 2006

--

Marine biologist Katherine Atack literally went fishing to record and

identify specimens in Sungai Sarawak and its tributaries Sungai Kuap

and Sungai Maong.

 

The result is A Field Guide to the Fishes of Kuching Rivers, which she

took three years to compile.

 

Launched today by Minister for Environment and Public Health Datuk

Michael Manyin, the book has been adopted by the Sarawak Government as

a field guide.

 

Despite reports that Sungai Sarawak was polluted, Atack discovered

more than 100 species of fish inhabiting the river.

 

Chong Ted Tsiung, controller of Environmental Quality, Sarawak, said

the book would also provide guidelines on the condition of the rivers.

 

" Some species indicate good water quality as they can only live in

clean water with high oxygen content, while other species, may survive

in heavily polluted waters, " Chong said.

 

" The number of species found is another indicator, as pollution

affects the fish population. "

 

The book, in full colour, is sold at RM75 per copy. It is published by

Natural History Publications (Borneo), with photographs by Chi'en Lee.

 

--\

 

 

Ownership with responsibility - New Straits Times

D. CHANDRANAYAGAM Kuala Lumpur

 

Jan 26:

--

MANY people are opting to purchase or adopt dogs in celebration of the

forthcoming Chinese Year of the Dog.

 

In many countries, the slogan is usually " a dog is for life, not just

for Christmas " . Although the catchphrase needs to be amended according

to our own cultural identity, it does carry the correct sentiment.

 

I recall a year ago where families left their dogs behind to fend for

themselves during the Chinese New Year holidays.

 

All of them had to be rescued by the authorities, because neighbours

had complained about their unruly behaviour and the smell.

 

These dogs eventually were returned to the owners, despite their

recklessness when it came to caring for their animals.

 

It is these reckless owners who do not care for their animals who

contribute to new by-laws, like the controversial rules on dog

ownership adopted recently in Shah Alam.